Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi to be indicted in new Toshakhana case on Nov 18
A special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has set November 18 as the date to indict Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a new Toshakhana case. This decision came after the court dismissed their requests for acquittal in the matter. The current case involves the alleged unlawful sale of a jewelry set gifted to Bushra Bibi by the Saudi crown prince during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister (2018-2022). This case is separate from the first Toshakhana case, in which the couple was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined Rs1.57 billion in January. Their sentence was later suspended by the Islamabad High Court in April.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2024 11:48 UTC
Govt banks on Saudi, Chinese largesse to plug $5 billion gap
The government also requested the IMF visiting delegation to review its condition on drastically amending the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund law by end of December. Pakistan assured again that China's Exim Bank would rollover $3.4 billion project debt and Saudi Arabia will provide a $1.2 billion facility. Out of a total $5 billion external financing gap for the 2024-27 periods, $2.5 billion is estimated for this fiscal year. At the time of the $7 billion package, Pakistan had anticipated raising $3.2 billion against the $2.5 billion in debt needs. PSWFThe Pakistani authorities and Alvarez & Marsel give briefing to the IMF about the required amendments in the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Act.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 14, 2024 10:42 UTC
Another TTP top militant’s anti-Pakistan video leaked
ISLAMABAD - Another audio recording of Fitna-Al Khwarij (Tehrike-e-Taliban Pakistan) top militant commander Noor Wali Mehsud has surfaced revealing his nefarious efforts to prevent terrorists in Pakistan from returning to Afghanistan. In the leaked audio, militant leader Noor Wali, speaking to Haji Ghat, another militant commander based in Pakistan, urged militants not to allow any fighters in Pakistan to turn back to Afghanistan, emphasising that no one should change their course or leave. The leaked audio clearly established the fact that Afghanistan would continue to be a launching pad for more terrorists entering Pakistan, with Noor Wali coercing low-ranking militants into sacrificing their lives in the name of jihad in Pakistan. Furthermore, the defence and security analysts questioned why Haji Noor Wali Mehsud, if his version of jihad was legitimate, was not directly confronting Pakistani security forces himself. Security analysts pointed out that Haji Noor Wali Mehsud was misleading his followers in the name of jihad while profiting from their actions and sitting in Afghanistan.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2024 07:57 UTC
Government recovers 1.09 billion rupees in power theft crackdown
In an ongoing effort to curb electricity theft, government departments responsible for energy and law enforcement have reported a major success this past week. Over 1.09 billion rupees were recovered from individuals and entities involved in power pilferage, while 141 alleged electricity thieves were apprehended across the country. "The government remains committed to eliminating power theft, which imposes a heavy burden on legitimate consumers and the national grid," an official spokesperson said. "This past week’s operations were a testament to our determination to hold offenders accountable and protect the interests of the public and the industry." According to government estimates, electricity theft and losses have cost billions annually, affecting both revenue and energy supply stability.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2024 07:40 UTC
Women’s Nations Cup: 3rd edition to be played in Chile
- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is glad to announce that the third edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup (women) will be played in Chile from 23 February to 2 March 2025. We will be the hosts of a Nations Cup! The South American country is a rising hockey nation and has always put together fantastic FIH hockey tournaments. The first two editions of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup (women) were played in Spain (in Valencia in 2022 and in Terrassa in 2024). India won the inaugural edition, whilst Spain won the second one.
Source:The Nation
November 14, 2024 03:05 UTC
Weaponizing Cricket
India’s refusal to play in Pakistan has once again highlighted how India has weponised even sports against Pakistan. For years, cricket and other sports have been pivotal in fostering diplomacy among nations, but India has misused the sports for its nefarious hegemonic designs. India’s ongoing refusal to send its Cricket team to Pakistan exemplifies a troubling trend where sports are used as a weapon in geopolitical disagreements. Historically, this is not the first instance of India opting out of sporting engagements with Pakistan. If India is unwilling to travel to Pakistan for matches, alternative teams should be invited.
Source:The Patriot
November 14, 2024 01:44 UTC
A Futile Quest for Peace
The Israeli government, emboldened by its impunity, continues to pursue its expansionist agenda, openly dismissing the possibility of a Palestinian state. Only through a just and lasting peace, based on international law and UN resolutions, can the region hope to achieve stability and security. Tel Aviv’s expansionist, homicidal practices will continue, and this is a strong indication that the Israelis are not prepared for peace. Arafat said, “Don’t let the olive branch slip from my grasp.” Unfortunately, the Israelis’ conceit has essentially severed the olive branch, leaving the Palestinians with nothing but a gun. The outcome of the Israelis’ continuous rejection of the olive branch was what happened on October 7, 2023.
Source:The Patriot
November 14, 2024 01:44 UTC
Liam Payne's Death Sparks Global Conversation On Mental Health
Liam Payne's Death Sparks Global Conversation On Mental Health Tributes pour in for the former One Direction star as family seeks justice amid investigationThe music world is mourning the untimely death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction star whose life was cut short at the age of 31. Before his death, Payne had been staying at the hotel to renew his American visa, which had expired due to his struggles with drug dependency. Alongside the tributes flowing for Payne, discussions are reigniting concerning mental health support for artists. With over 137,000 signatures, the petition proposes regular mental health check-ups and the embedding of mental health professionals on-set to oversee artists’ welfare. Following Payne's death, his former One Direction bandmates released a poignant statement, emphasizing their heartache and the bond they shared.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 13, 2024 23:52 UTC
PM Shehbaz calls for redefined climate finance after incurring $30 billion loss in 2022 floods
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised concerns on Wednesday about the unmet financial pledges made at the previous two United Nations climate summits, COP27 and COP28. Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the IDC framework could be "a defining tool for a fair and effective global response" to climate challenges. The prime minister called on the world to present a unified response to climate finance. He stressed the need for urgent reforms to the financial architecture to ensure no country was left behind in the global response to climate change. The prime minister also discussed bilateral relations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 13, 2024 22:56 UTC
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Daily VPN attempts to access porn in Pakistan exceed 20m: PTA
PTA is intensifying its oversight on platforms disseminating offensive content and implementing measures to restrict access to these sites. PTA spokesperson revealed that Pakistan remains one of the top countries for online access attempts to pornographic content. PTA confirmed that it had blocked 100,183 “blasphemous” URLs and 844,008 pornographic websites, based on data from ongoing monitoring efforts, Express News reported. Despite these efforts, daily access attempts remain high, with around 20 million Pakistani users attempting to access pornographic content, according to PTA figures. In August, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) intensified its efforts to curb VPN use, aiming to restrict access to X, which remains banned in the country.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 13, 2024 21:56 UTC
Azerbaijan Stands Firm On Fossil Fuels At COP29
Azerbaijan Stands Firm On Fossil Fuels At COP29 President Ilham Aliyev defends natural resources and criticizes Western hypocrisy during the UN climate summitAzerbaijan, hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, has sparked controversy by defending fossil fuels amid rising concerns about climate change. Aliyev asserted, "No country should be judged for its natural resources," positioning Azerbaijan as both victim and steward of its oil and gas wealth. The assertion of fossil fuels by Azerbaijan reflects broader conflicts within the climate dialogue: the necessity of transitioning to sustainable energy versus the economic reliance on fossil fuel industries. Following Azerbaijan's statements, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of moving away from such reliance, asserting, "Doubling down on fossil fuels is absurd. While some world leaders remain focused on ambitious climate targets, the realities of energy transitions and economic dependence on fossil fuels raise difficult questions.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 13, 2024 20:40 UTC
Kane disappointed by England Nations League withdrawals
... He’s tough, he’s a fighter and he’s going to work,” Wright said. “We’re all here for him, but he’s doing OK.”Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been the acting head coach in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs play at home Wednesday against Washington, and that will be the seventh straight game in which Johnson will be filling in for Popovich. Johnson took over for that night’s contest, which the Spurs won, after the team said Popovich was not feeling well. Johnson and Popovich spoke on Nov. 3, and on Nov. 4 Johnson said Popovich is “in good spirits ... he’ll be OK.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 20:10 UTC
Timely completion of all development projects stressed
Minister Bilal Yaseen expressed his appreciation for the IT reforms and the underground water tank projects, which, he described, as revolutionary steps towards improving public convenience. He emphasized the need for the timely completion of all development projects under the Wasa to ensure better facilities for the public. He underscored the importance of fully digitizing all revenue systems to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. Bilal Yaseen also signaled an immediate push for the implementation of solarization projects as part of efforts to reduce electricity bills and promote cost-saving measures. Additionally, MD Ghufran Ahmed highlighted the agency’s plans for in-house capacity building and cost-saving initiatives worth millions of rupees.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 19:57 UTC
Pakistanis, Turks like one nation, Turkish Ambassador, Irfan Neziroglu
- Advertisement -ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu has said that Turkiye’s borders do not meet Pakistan, but Pakistanis and Turks are like one nation, their hearts beat together. The ambassador said on this occasion that Turks consider Pakistan as their second home and Pakistanis also consider Turkiye their second homeland as well. He said that Turkey is Pakistan and Pakistan is Turkey. He encouraged students to embrace Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of “Khudi” (selfhood) and focus on personal development to help lead the nation toward success. Professor Dr. Zafar Hussain Zafar reflected on Iqbal’s lifelong solidarity with Turkey, noting that Iqbal never missed an opportunity to express his affection.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 19:36 UTC
World’s top banks pledge $120 billion in climate finance to poor nations
BAKU: The world’s top multilateral banks pledged to ramp up climate finance to low- and middle-income countries to $120 billion a year by 2030 as part of efforts at global talks in Azerbaijan to agree on an ambitious annual target. The new figure includes $42 billion to help adapt to the impacts of extreme weather, a 70% increase over the 2023 number. “We can spend time just discussing issues, but I think it’s better to get on with it and … work as best as possible, together to mobilize green finance, public and private finance, and have maximum impact on the ground,” she said at the meeting. “Provision of climate finance at scale also depends on increased MDB internal resources; a larger pool of grant and concessional funds to support enhanced policy dialogue, finance public goods and mobilize private finance; and additional capital to unlock more MDB financing,” the statement said. “We welcome the ambition set out today by the multilateral development banks, which played a key role in scaling up climate finance to exceed the $100 billion goal,” a U.S. official, who declined to be named, said on the sidelines of the gathering.
Source:The Nation
November 13, 2024 17:02 UTC